NO.8 FOR NICHOLLS IN MANCHESTER?

Record seven-time British champ Scott Nicholls insists his
tough season at Belle Vue in 2016 will have no bearing on
hopes of landing No.8.

19 / 06 / 2017, 10:28

Record seven-time British champion Scott Nicholls insists his tough season at Belle Vue last year will have no bearing on hopes of landing No.8 in Manchester tonight.

Nicholls arrives at the National Speedway Stadium seeking more history, as well as a ticket to the Adrian Flux British FIM Speedway Grand Prix in Cardiff on July 22, where the new British champion will race as wild card.

Nicholls captained Belle Vue in Manchester last year, but registered better results away from home prior to a winter move to Rye House.

Everybody wants to win it and I want title No.8. I am going there in a positive frame of mind so we’ll see how we go.

Scott Nicholls

He’s determined to put in a strong challenge to regain his crown, having been absent from the top step of the podium since 2012.

Nicholls told Speedway Star: “There was no dislike for the track or anything like that. I just never felt quick. The problems were purely with the engines.

“There is a massive point to prove but only to myself. I don’t feel I have anything to prove to the fans and think they all know I am the sort of rider that puts everything into my racing and what I am capable of.

“The desire is there but it is for different reasons. The first one is always special, to achieve the British title is a big landmark and then you do it again and the way you look at it alters.

“Everybody wants to win it and I want title No.8. I am going there in a positive frame of mind so we’ll see how we go.”

Meanwhile, defending champion Danny King can’t wait to defend his crown on the high-speed National Speedway Stadium circuit as he bids to return to Cardiff for a second straight season.

He said: “I am confident and really happy with everything. Things behind the scenes are going well, the bikes are running as they should and I am riding well. I have as good a chance as I did last year.

“There will be plenty of shocks and that is the benefit of a fair racing track – everyone has a shot and that is what speedway is all about.

“If you miss the start it doesn’t mean the end of your race, which suits me. Eleven of the riders won a heat last year which just goes to show how open it was, the track makes it entertaining and open. It is good for everyone.

“It is the pinnacle of speedway in this country for me and we are so lucky to have such a facility. It is up there as one of the best.”